Top SMS Marketing Platforms for Effective Automated Texting
19 September 2024
TJ Gaushas
Gone are the days when TV commercials and newspaper advertisements were the best way to get your services/products in front of your targeted customers. However, modern marketing requires that you think beyond these traditional methods. You need to meet your customers where they are all the time – on their phones. Here is where SMS marketing platforms/services come into the picture.
You can directly interact with your potential and existing customers through text message marketing by sending them promotional SMS and MMS, resolving their queries, and accepting payments. However, you need automated texting software to help you manage and execute SMS marketing campaigns more effectively and precisely. So you can reap all the benefits of text message marketing.
In this article, we have curated a list of the best SMS marketing platforms, their features, pros, and cons. It will help you decide which is best for you by transforming your customer outreach.
However, before diving deep into it, let us first understand what SMS marketing is.
What is SMS Marketing?
SMS marketing means using text messaging to promote your product/service or communicate with your customers. Text message marketing is not only a promotional tool but also beyond that. It is a dynamic and conversational communication channel that can help you build relationships, offer timely updates, and resolve customer problems. These days, people lead a hectic lifestyle where grabbing customers' attention is challenging, but with 98% open rates, SMS marketing is an effective method that businesses must include in their overall marketing strategy.
Still not convinced?
Check out these benefits of SMS marketing.
Benefits of SMS Marketing
Text message marketing is not about sending a few promotional messages here and there. It offers various benefits to businesses, including:
| Immediate Reach | Text messaging lets businesses offer timely updates and create urgency in promotional campaigns. |
| Cost-Effective | Compared to other marketing channels, text messaging is budget-friendly. You can reach a larger audience without breaking your bank account. |
| Conversational Marketing | SMS offers two-way communication. You can connect with your customers, solve their queries, and gather feedback more effectively and personally. |
| High Engagement Rates | Email offers 20% open rates, while text messaging has 98% open rate. Almost all messages are read by recipients within the first three minutes of delivery. |
How Does Automated Texting Impact SMS Marketing?
To understand how automated texting impacts SMS marketing, let's understand how SMS automation can improve efficiency.
SMS automation is the backbone of cutting-edge SMS marketing.
How?
Let’s understand it through the below scenario.
Picture this: You are busy establishing your business, BUT as you have not included automated texting, you need to manually send text messages to almost thousands of subscribers! It seems overwhelming, right?
Automation help you solve this problem. It enables you to streamline repetitive tasks such as text message scheduling, answering frequently asked questions, sending follow-ups, etc.
Automated texting offers you the below-mentioned benefits:
- Time Saving : Automated SMS campaigns run in the background. Therefore, you can focus on other important business tasks requiring your attention.
- Advanced Segmentation : With automation, you can easily create a list of target customers. So, you will send bulk SMSs with personalized touch that meet individual needs.
- Consistency Maintenance : When you opt for SMS automation for your campaigns, it becomes more consistent. Besides, you can ensure that the customers receive the right message at the right time.
Now that you know the benefits of automated texting, the question is – which features should you look for in the automated texting software?
Read on to get its answer.
You should look for an automated texting platform that offers features like bulk texting, MMS integration, drip SMS campaigns, segmentation, integration, shortcodes, smart text responses, automated triggers, etc. In the next section, we will understand how these features benefit your business.
What Factors to Consider While Choosing an Automated Texting Software?
Not all text marketing platforms are the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all. You need to choose the SMS marketing tools according to your business needs, size, industry, and goals. Here is what you should consider.
1) Features
The table below shows a few must-have features to consider to help you grow your customer base and increase your business ROI.
| Features | Benefits |
| Bulk Texting | It helps you send tailored bulk SMS to many customers at the same time. |
| MMS Drip | Through it, you can add visual appeals to your text messages by including images, videos, and GIFs. |
| Advanced Segmentation | You can divide your customers into specific groups and send them personalized and highly relevant messages. |
| SMS Automation | You can send messages like welcome, follow-ups, etc., through SMS automation, according to triggers. |
| Shortcodes | With shortcodes, you can simplify the opt-in procedure and establish two-way messaging. |
| Integration | This feature lets you combine your SMS marketing platform with other business tools. You can manage everything on one dashboard. |
| Drip SMS Campaigns | Using it, you can send pre-scheduled messages, nurture your leads, and keep your customers engaged without bombarding them with all the information at once. |
| Opt-Out | It lets your users easily opt out when they are no longer interested in receiving texts from your business. So you can have a more targeted audience that is genuinely interested in hearing from your business. |
| AI-based Smart Text Response | Choose the software that uses AI and ML to analyze SMS responses for automatic intent detection and classification. Based on the customers' intent, they respond. It improves customer satisfaction by reducing human intervention. |
| Analytics & Reporting | It helps you know which campaign is performing well and which requires improvement. |
2) User-friendly Interface
Another important factor is choosing the SMS marketing software that has a user-friendly interface. So, if you are not tech-savvy, you can easily set up SMS campaigns. Don't forget to look for a customer support and training hub.
3) Scalability
Choose the scalable software. As your business grows, the platform should be able to adapt to the increasing demand for message volumes and integrate easily into existing CRM or other business tools.
4) Cost
Different platforms have different pricing structures. However, ensure you go for the value-for-money platform. Generally, platforms have the price-per-message model or monthly/annual model. Price-per-message offers basic text message sending, ideal for low-volume SMS campaigns. Conversely, monthly or yearly plans include advanced features like automation, MMS, and integrations, which are perfect for high-volume messages.
5) Compliance & Security
You should choose a text marketing platform that follows regulations such as TCPA, 10DLC, & GDPR. Therefore, you don't have to deal with hefty fines. Select software with opt-in, opt-out, and solid encryption features to protect sensitive data.
Top SMS Marketing Software For Effective Automated Texting
SMS marketing software makes it super easy for businesses to interact with consumers. Here are the top automated texting software that you can consider in 2024.
1) Textdrip – Budget-Friendly, User-friendly, 10 DLC Compliant Tool
Looking for a feature-rich SMS marketing platform that helps you automate your SMS campaign? Textdrip is the perfect pick that offers a 30-day free trial. With features like schedule SMS, personalization, quick response, AI-driven text response, robust integration, two-way texting, drip SMS campaigns, and highly scalable, it secures 1st position on our list of top SMS marketing software for effective automated texting.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-use, scalable platform | Although Textdrip is power-packed with features, we have found that there are many features to explore, so it will be time-consuming. However, once you understand all features completely, its possibilities are endless. |
| Includes AI add-ons such as Spintext and Text Generator | Textdrip is best suited for B2B clients and is packed with advanced features. However, individual users need a full demo to get used to it. Once the user is familiar with it, it becomes an invaluable tool. |
| 10 DLC-compliant tools that improve SMS deliverability, reduce spam and improve security. | - |
Best Suited For: Large-scale businesses and industries that require heavy customer support
2) SimpleTexting – Quick-to-run Marketing campaigns
The next on the list is SimpleTexting. This comprehensive SMS marketing tool helps your business grow through text message marketing. The platform is perfect for small to medium-sized businesses and offers features such as two-way messaging, integrations, MMS marketing, segmentation, analytics and reporting, SMS autoresponders, etc.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easily set up the SMS marketing list. | Sharing SimpleTexting's access among your team members is costly. |
| You can integrate it with web apps that you already use to run surveys and gather feedback. | - |
| Affordable and scalable plans | - |
| Excellent customer support | - |
| User-friendly interface | - |
Best Suited For: Small to medium businesses looking for a simple but effective SMS marketing platform.
3) EZ Texting – Best for beginners who are not tech-savvy
Coming up next on the list is EZ Texting. If you are looking for a feature-rich platform that helps you increase your revenue and win customers' loyalty, EZ Texting is the perfect pick. The best thing about this platform is that it prompts everything to users. Therefore, if you are a non-technical person who wants to start with SMS marketing, it is an ideal platform. The platform offers features like contact management, integration & API, SMS automation, MMS messaging, analytics and reporting, bulk opt-out, bulk texting, and two-way communication, which almost all platforms offer. However, the unique features of this platform are digital sign-up forms, QR codes for growing the contact list, a link shortener and a tracker.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface | Only basic reporting features |
| Easy and scalable platform | Prompt everything so it can become annoying if you already know what to do. |
| A budget-friendly option for beginners | - |
| Excellent customer service | - |
| Offers a 14 days free trial without any hidden charges and credit card information. | - |
Best Suited For: Beginners who are just starting with SMS marketing.
4) SlickText – Perfect for advanced SMS marketing with excellent analytics features
Up next on the list is SlickText. If you are looking for a platform that is 100% marketing-focused, lets you collect phone numbers, and send bulk messages, SlickText is the right pick. The platform offers impressive features like SMS automation, SMS shortcodes, bulk texting, MMS texting, SMS autoresponders, subscribers list growth, etc. Using this platform, you can send targeted and action-driving text messages to your customers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy integration with other marketing tools | - |
| This platform's popular features include Text to Join, Text Surveys, SMS Autoresponders, Mobile Coupons, and Webhooks. | It is expensive if you want to access advanced features such as automated workflow. |
| Perfect for engagement and loyalty programs | - |
| REST API lets you create a custom workflow | - |
Best Suited For: Small, medium, and already-established businesses including sectors like eCommerce, marketing agencies, retail, schools, entertainment, nonprofits, churches, etc.
5) TextMagic – Ideal for scalability and flexibility
If you are looking for a text message marketing platform that lets you quickly send text messages, TextMagic is the perfect pick. You can access this tool through desktop browsers iOS and Android apps. The platform offers features like personalized bulk texting, two-way communication, 10DLC texting, SMS automation, reminders, integrations like Zapier, email to SMS, SMS API gateway, etc.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Pay-as-you-go pricing plans | Automation features are not advanced compared to other platforms. |
| Easy-to-use interface, specifically when you bring your CPaaS. | Limited SMS automation |
| SMS automation, SMS opt-out management, SMS templates, SMS surveys, API Integration | - |
Best Suited For: Recruitment and HR, Schools, Service and Support, Event Management, Internal Communication, Appointment Reminders, Alerts, and Notifications.
6) Klaviyo – Perfect for the eCommerce Automation and Integration
Looking for a unified data & SMS marketing automation platform that lets you automate your eCommerce store? Your search ends here. Klaviyo is perfect for businesses that don't have the budget for SMS marketing. The platform lets you send 150 free SMS/MMS. The platform offers key features like two-way texting, segmentation, SMS opt-ins via QR, links, and email CTAs, integrations and API for payment/cart management, AI autoresponse, analytics and reporting capabilities, etc.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| In-built AI writer for emails and SMS | No mobile app |
| Free version | Customer service is slow |
| SMS automation, SMS opt-out management, SMS templates, SMS surveys, API | - |
| Integration for seamless workflow management | - |
Best Suited For: eCommerce business
7) Textline – Secure Business Texting Software for Teams.
If you are looking for a fully HIPAA-compliant SMS marketing platform to communicate with your patients and doctors securely, Textline is the perfect pick. The platform offers features like shortcodes, two-way texting, bulk texting, SMS surveys, segmentation, group messaging, encryption, analytics and reporting, and third-party integrations with Zapier, Salesforce, Zendesk, etc. In short, this platform is ideal for modern customer support, logistics, sales, and marketing teams with a free trial.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Top-notch security through encryption and HIPAA compliance | Need improvement in customer support. |
| Best for all business sizes | The overall cost is high if looking for advanced marketing features. |
| Easy-to-use user interface | - |
| Secure data storage | - |
| Flexible and scalable | - |
Best Suited For: Healthcare Industry
8) Textedly – Perfect for two-way texting
Looking for an SMS marketing platform that offers various features to help businesses reach their customers effectively? Textedly is the perfect pick. The platform is popular for its user-friendly interface and powerful features like SMS automation, SMS drip campaigns, personalization and segmentation, bulk texting, analytics and reporting, contact management, text scheduling, and other tools. Besides, the platform offers features such as omnichannel messaging, payment follow-ups, and Google Review Management.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick bulk texting | Large CSV contact list uploading takes time. |
| Email alerts when clients respond so there will be no missed messages. | Costly |
| Great customer service | - |
| Analytics and reporting offer insights into the campaign's success. | - |
Best Suited For: B2B businesses, financial institutions, hotels, spas, retail, and nonprofits.
9) Salesmsg – Ideal for small and local businesses
Up next on the list is a Salesmsg. It is perfect for small and local businesses that want to increase customer engagement and improve their ROI. The platform is ideal for small businesses in the US and Canada. The platform offers features like contact management, opt-out management, analytics and reports, built-in AI assistant, landline texting, email to SMS, two-way texting, MMS texting, shared inbox, etc.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy integrations with HubSpot, CRMs, Pipedrive, etc | You must provide a credit card number to access a free trial. |
| Quickly get the local number whenever you are in Canada or the US. | - |
| User-friendly interface | - |
Best Suited For: All business sizes for sending secure SMS
10) Text Request - Ideal for All Sizes of Businesses
Last but not least on the list is Text Request. It is a texting platform that offers SMS plans that match all sizes of businesses. No matter whether you are a startup or an already established business,
Text Request have text message plans for each. The tool offers all the basic features that an SMS marketing platform offers. Besides, it offers unique features like signature creation, location tracking, merge fields, 10DLC registration, peer-to-peer texting, etc. To learn more about its features, you can click here.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Each user gets a real-time notification when another user responds. | It takes some time to set up this tool. |
| Its schedule messaging option makes it easy to stay connected with customers. | There is no feature to block any number. |
Best Suited For: Franchises, Insurance, HVAC, Non-profits, Political campaigns
Comparing the Best Text Marketing Platforms
Here is the comparison of the best text marketing platforms based on G2, Capterra ratings and pricing.
| SMS Marketing Platform | G2 | Capterra | Pricing |
| Textdrip | 4.8 | 4.9 | Starts from $19.99/month For detailed plans, click here. |
| SimpleTexting | 4.7 | 4.7 | Starts from $39/month |
| EZ Texting | 4.3 | 4.5 | Starts from $20/month |
| Slicktext | 4.8 | 4.8 | Starts from $29/month |
| TextMagic | 4.4 | 4.6 | $4.90 for 100 SMS |
| Klaviyo | 4.6 | 4.6 | Starts from $60/month |
| Textline | 4.5 | 4.9 | Basic plan starts from $20/month |
| Textedly | 4.6 | 4.6 | Starts from $99/month |
| Salesmsg | 4.6 | 4.6 | $25/month. |
| Text Request | 4.6 | 4.6 | Starts from $59/month. |
To Wrap Up
When SMS marketing combines with automation, it effectively engages your audience, improves conversation rates, and helps you build strong customer relationships. Go for the platform that offers features like SMS automation, MMS marketing, two-way texting, bulk texting, drip campaigns, quick response, AI text generation, and personalization.
One such platform is Textdrip, which has all these features and genuinely shines when sending automated text messages that drive improved ROI.
So what are you waiting for? Connect with us for the free trial, or book a demo and see how your customer engagement skyrockets.
FAQ's
| How secure are SMS marketing platforms? |
Top SMS marketing platforms prioritize data security by implementing encryption, secure APIs, and user authentication protocols. They also comply with data protection regulations like 10 DLC and TCPA to ensure that your customer data is protected.
| Can SMS marketing platforms be used for transactional messages? |
Yes, SMS platforms can send transactional messages like order confirmations, shipping updates, password resets, and appointment reminders. Those types of non-promotional messages are also essential for customer engagement and improving the customer experience.
| Do SMS marketing platforms support multi-language messages? |
Yes, most platforms allow you to create and send messages in multiple languages, enabling businesses to engage with global audiences effectively. You can also customize messages based on the recipient's location or language preferences.
| How do I avoid spamming my audience with SMS marketing? |
To avoid spamming, ensure you have opt-in consent from all recipients, send relevant and valuable messages, and avoid sending too frequently. It's also essential to provide clear opt-out instructions and honor unsubscribe requests promptly.
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